‘Learning to Swallow,’ about Chicago artist, gets national TV airing

A documentary about the struggles of a Chicago artist has its network television debut on Tuesday.

“Learning to Swallow” (2005) profiles Patsy Desmond, a Wicker Park fixture in the 1990s, who attempted suicide by drinking drain cleaner but survived, her digestive system ravaged. The film chronicles her healing over four years.

“She rebuilt herself inside and out,” director Danielle Beverly told the Sun-Times in 2005. “And is very physically changed by the end of the film but spiritually has come to a place of acceptance.”

“Learning to Swallow” airs at 7 p.m. Tuesday on World, Channel 11.3 (369 on Comcast, 38 on RCN). It then will be available for streaming Wednesday through April 26 at worldchannel.org.